Amateur Golf: Walker in driving seat

By Bill Meredith

12:01AM GMT 21 Mar 2003

Richard Walker does not mind where he wins titles. In 2001 he won the Brabazon at Royal Birkdale; in 2002 he captured the German Amateur in Cologne; on Sunday he claimed the Portuguese Amateur at Estela.

Walker's latest success in Portugal puts him in line for a Walker Cup place against the United States at Ganton in September before he tries for his European Tour card.

In fact, Walker has been a professional before but three years ago, in his late 20s, he gave up the rigours of the Challenge Tour to return to the amateur ranks. It was a brave move and one that has paid off handsomely.

Walker's win in Portugal, where his scalps included defending champion Scotland and last year's beaten Amateur Championship finalist Martin Sell, has earned him a place in the Portuguese Open on the European Tour at Vale do Lobo next month.

Oliver Wilson, from Coxmoor in Nottinghamshire, is also putting in a strong Walker Cup claim from his American university, Augusta State, where he plays No 1. After three straight wins Wilson was rated top college golfer in the United States. He is currently at No 4.

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